Exhibition: Executions

Today, I headed with Cultureseekers (CS) to the "Executions" exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Promised to be nicely atmospheric - and mercifully, started a bit later than yesterday's event. The organiser was recently in touch, encouraging me to take out full membership, as I'd been to so many events, and could get a discount. Yeah, but most of them were during lockdown, and were free! I don't think it'd be worth my while - I don't go to nearly as many events with this group now.

Had to set my alarm again.. He said we'd meet outside the West India Quay DLR station, so I thought DLR made sense to take. I quite like the DLR - unlike Karl Donnelly, who thinks it looks like a rollercoaster, I like the way it sails over the rooftops and gives you a bit of a view. However, I'd gotten a hint on Google Maps, which suggested that I continue to Canary Wharf, the next stop - sure enough, a train announcement said it wouldn't be stopping at West India Quay. I think it has restricted opening. Anyway, so I continued to Canary Wharf. Now, I've been around these parts before, and get confused every time - there might be some way to walk directly from here to West India Quay station, but I certainly don't know it. I had trouble enough finding the exit to the street! Honestly, what a plonker, telling us to meet at a closed station, no directions how to get there. Well, when I finally made it outside, it was pouring rain - haven't seen it so heavy in London since Bono's tour. So I said sod it, it's not like I actually know any of these people to speak to - I left a message, and made straight for the museum. Which was much easier to find. And got absolutely soaked on the way.

The staff here are really, really friendly - well, certainly at least one guy on the door was! So, he ascertained why I was there, and directed me to the far side of the stairs. The museum in general covers much more than just this exhibition, and there are floors-full of exhibits - the Executions exhibition, however, is indeed past the stairs, to the left. A ramp caters for people who can't manage the stairs. I passed a cafe on the way, which looked inviting - but my ticket said to enter between 1.45 and 2.15, and it was nearly in that time frame, so I said I'd better do this first. A guy at the exhibition door scanned my ticket.

Lots of eye-openers here - I didn't realise that public executions only began to be recorded in 1196 (I'm sure they happened before then). And over 200 crimes earned the death penalty.. well, I knew some were what we would consider quite minor. A scrolling list at the end of this corridor (the exhibition is laid out like a maze, so you never see too much at once) lists the crimes you could be executed for. Like theft, forgery.. and of course, murder and treason.

As you move along the corridor, the various methods of execution are explained, with a brief description (if you need it) and any required historical context. Included are any drawings that might be relevant. Most surprising to me was the (short) exhibit on boiling alive! Apparently, Henry VIII introduced that punishment for a cook who'd poisoned the household where he worked - his son can't have been as keen, as it was abolished during his reign! Well, I guess Henry had a strong stomach.

An interesting short film about London execution sites also afforded an opportunity to have a sit-down:

Predictably, there was a lot about Charles I - including, in one exhibit, bits and pieces he might have worn. (This exhibit was a bit annoying, requiring you to press a button constantly to keep it lit. I suppose this was to protect the fabrics, but really, the light didn't stay on long enough, and the button needed to be pressed several times to read everything..) Here, we have a pair of gloves. Which he might have worn - or not, but as the exhibit points out, they're certainly the sort of thing he would have worn!

I had thought it'd be atmospheric - sure enough, as you move deeper into the exhibition, the clanging of a church bell combines with something that sounds like a creaking cart, on which you might be taken to the gallows. And I have to tell you, that combination actually made me reel for a minute, as I imagined the terror that a condemned prisoner might have felt.. There's even a mockup of a small window, with bars, high in the wall, light pouring through it and shining on a patch of the floor. As the condemned prisoner might have had in their cell..

As you can imagine, people took a lot of care over what to wear for their final day - these are examples of wedding outfits chosen by the condemned to be dispatched in. Mind you, the executioner was supposed to have his pick of the garments after the deed was done, which led one woman, once she was on the gallows, to strip off and throw her clothes to the mob!

Another short film awaits us in a small, circular room - again, there's limited seating as you listen to Jack Hall, slowly and sweetly sung, as you watch a set of silhouetted figures enact a seventeenth-century execution. They also have some recitations of quotes from condemned people, spoken in the dialect of the time, close as they can tell!

Move on a bit further, and more evocative sound effects surround you - this time, it's the buzzing of flies. (Yes, another occasion when a strong stomach is needed.) This axe on display was, it turns out, bought for an execution but not used:

And you've heard of a gibbet? Bodies left on public display, to deter further wrongdoers. Sometimes, live victims were put in a gibbet, and left to die slowly there. Here's one, complete with a sign threatening death or transportation to anyone who interferes with it!

Another scrolling list gives details of people who were executed, including their names, dates of execution, crimes for which they were executed, and places of execution:

Amnesty International, of course, has always campaigned against the death penalty (which is still in use in many countries), and an interesting video near the end of the exhibit has Paul Bridges, chair of the Anti-Death Penalty Project, explaining what's wrong about it, and what Amnesty are doing to stop it.

And so to the end of what is an interesting, and at times really moving, exhibition! Very highly recommended, but you do need to be a little bit tough. Runs till the 16th of April.

I didn't fancy traipsing upstairs to the rest of the museum, and knew there was no point trying to find the others in the group. This organiser does come up with good events, but he's woeful at gathering people together, or getting them to interact. I did think I'd recognised someone as I made my way through the exhibition, but oh well. Now, he'd suggested heading to The Ledger Building (a Wetherspoons) next door afterwards, so off I schlepped. It was still pouring, but at least now I had hardly any distance to go! There were free tables, so I grabbed one and ordered a katsu curry, because I felt like one. There's a good menu here, and I was well fed - dessert too! And a second glass of wine - both of which I ordered on the app. I was lovely and cosy, in from the weather - and the toilets, downstairs, are nice and spacious too. I forsook the DLR for my homeward journey, just got the Tube.

Tomorrow, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! She sent them through when they arrived yesterday, and I agreed with the other guy who should take which! Now, someone did contact the group to mention that she had been attending yesterday, and the second half was cancelled due to illness - so I hope that's been sorted out..

On Tuesday, thinking film again - the listings site was typically slow, but had some info for next week. But given my experience on Tuesday - when it hadn't even included listings for my local cinema - I checked what was on there on this coming Tuesday as well. And lo, I came up with some not yet listed at all at that stage on the listings site.. highest rated is a documentary - Crows are White tells the story of a rather unusual Buddhist monk, who'd rather listen to heavy metal than birdsong..

On Wednesday, heading to Comedy in your Eye, at the Camden Eye. Tickets from Design my Night, including a free drink.

On Thursday - my first Crick Crack Club (CCC) event of the year! Online, but never mind - it's Nick Hennessy, at the Story Museum, performing The Kalevala. I think I remember hearing that he's the only non-Finnish person ever to win their competition to recite this! So, really looking forward to it. Then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..

On the 16th, back with UITCS for The Art of Illusion, at Hampstead Theatre. Award-winning, it seems..

On the 17th, I'm headed to Chicago Blues Explosion in the January Blues Festival at the 100 Club. Just a shame their early bird tickets were sold out.

On the 18th, with TAC for a classical concert at King's Place (nice and close). This is the Kirckman Society for young artists, presenting Connaught Brass.

On the 19th, Ken's Green Walks for Health (aka Ken's Events, to those of us who know it from before) is off to see the Winter Lights at Canary Wharf. Now, I wouldn't go with them in a fit - but there's nothing to stop me seeing the lights myself for free, eh? I don't see the point in paying Ken £5 to lead a group around..

On the 20th (a Friday, unusually), back with Watkin's Bookshop for a book launch. This is Fifty Forgotten Books by R. B. Russell. Occult theme, as usual. Let's see whether I can avoid falling asleep this time!

On the 21st, back at King's Place - this time it's the CCC, with Stories in the Dark. Told in darkness, by the sound of it - sounds divine!

On the 22nd, back with CS for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition at the British Museum. Assuming it's not curtailed due to transport strikes - there is a warning on the museum website that galleries might have to close early!

On the 23rd, I've finally booked for Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre. This play concerns a series of debates on US television between liberal writer Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley in 1968 - the interesting twist here, given the time and place we're talking about, is to cast William Buckley as black! Had my own seat review on Seatplan to guide me in picking a seat - this is one of those restricted view/legroom theatres. And despite all the theatre offers flooding my inbox, I found the cheapest tickets for this on the official website! Mind you, what with See Tickets doing the selling, I found myself with a second, unexplained, booking fee..

For the next week or so, it's all UITCS! On the 24th, for some reason, I hadn't seen their advertised event to see Orlando, based on the book by Virginia Woolf, and showing at the Garrick. For this, however, I found the cheapest tickets from Official London Theatre (OLT).

On the 25th, we're off to see John Bishop at the Leicester Square Theatre. Love him, so I booked as soon as I saw this advertised - one of the few things for this month that I booked last month! Not that it seems to be selling out..

On the 26th, we're off to The Vaults Festival - specifically, The Welsh Lxdies, a bilingual show about the women of Wales. Then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 30th, we're heading to Noises Off, starring Felicity Kendal, at the Phoenix. Again, cheapest tickets from OLT.

On the 31st, with a group I haven't joined in a Very Long Time - I'm back with London Dramatic Art, from whom I've got a front-row ticket for Sylvia, at The Old Vic; this is the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, and stars the excellent Beverley Knight. Completely sold out - this was my only way to get a ticket!

On the 1st, back with the Horror Book Club - Lordy, that means I need to read a book! :-) I suppose I can use my flights for that. This time, it's The Ballad of Black Tom, based on the Lovecraft story, The Horror at Red Hook, but told from the perspective of a black man. Which means I should really read that, too.. Nice, I'd like to get back to some Lovecraft! In the Prince of Wales, Covent Garden again. Question is, will the kitchen be open..?

On the 2nd, I'm on my own for My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?), a musical at the Ambassadors Theatre.

On the 3rd, my first meeting of the year with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We're off to Wigmore Hall, to listen to the Hagen Quartet play Mozart. They're Austrian, so that's appropriate.. I just need to remember not to drink the ultra-expensive sauvignon blanc!

On the 4th, well, Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners are back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time!

On the 5th, nothing on Meetup appeals massively at the moment - I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I feel like it! (on my own). Or Over 40 Living the Life has just advertised a walk along the New River.. I'll have to see, as I have to pay to sign up (refunds given to those who then come). And I might well change my mind..

On the 6th, my first actual event with that group. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On the 7th, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with OLT again.

On the 8th of next month, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On the 9th of next month, back with UITCS for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th of next month, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his internment in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Play: The Sex Party & Walk: The Mysterious Square Mile

Yesterday, I finally went to The Sex Party, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. My goodness, it's so long since I was last there, I couldn't remember my username, and had to ring them! (CT were advertising cheap tickets, but had sold out.) Interesting pause when I was talking to my mother on the phone, and told her I was off to a sex party at the chocolate factory.. ;-)

Unfortunately, their restaurant is closed "due to circumstances beyond [their] control", so - as I was to pass The Lucas Arms on the way - I thought I'd eat there. Mind you, I checked online beforehand, and they weren't taking bookings before 7pm - oh no, thought I, they're full! I also tried O' Neill's online, who weren't taking bookings before tomorrow. Huh, typical. So I figured I'd try near the theatre, and headed out. Now, as I mentioned, I was passing The Lucas Arms on the way - had a peek in, and it was mostly empty! So in I went, and got well fed there. Good to know. First time back this year - crikey though, you do need an appetite..

And so to the theatre, rather early - where the receptionist was far too helpful, checking for a physical ticket when I knew quite well mine was on my phone. Ah well, I got in eventually (complete with a complete set of directions from her - Lordy, it's been a while, but not that long!) and got a drink at the bar - and I was there so early, I also got a table! Wow. First time. I think I was there about half an hour early. Anyway, can't really recommend the sauvignon blanc here, it's quite insipid. Meantime, of course I ended up sharing my table. Which was fine.

When I'd finished my paper, I moseyed in. Bench seating, but handily, there was a free seat beside me, which afforded me some extra space.

So, the set was a well-appointed kitchen - in Islington, as it turned out. The island was festooned with alcohol and glasses, the garden just visible through the French windows to the left. There was beer in the fridge, we discovered, and the living room was just through a door to the right of stage. Oh, and one of the cupboard doors near the fridge hid the washing machine - which did come in handy at one point in the play. Although how that character automatically knew where to find it..! ;-)

And yes, our hosts were throwing a sex party! Not a swingers party, we quickly discovered - no, there wouldn't be any partner-swapping. (Well, until there was.) Now, this was not a play for the prudish - but I think the prudish know that already! So.. the language was what you might call spicy, and while the characters started the evening nicely dressed (to various levels of sexiness), clothes were gradually shed, and we got a nice selection of lingerie etc. By and large, the action took place offstage - we were fed titillating scraps of appropriate noises on occasion, and at one point, some very well-done, evocative shadows were projected through the door! Mind you, the funniest interaction with the living room was when someone told our host there'd been a spillage in there. "White or red?" he demanded. "Red," she admitted ruefully. "Where?" he exclaimed. "Oh, it's the Persian, isn't it?! Damn it, it would be the Persian.." rushing out with a cloth and a big bottle of salt..

It was hilarious! You name it, this covered it - we had every joke, certainly, that I could possibly think of related to the topic, and they were well done. The script sparkled. Oh, and there were plenty of practical tips for those who might not be experienced in this practice - for instance, a number of the guests brought a change of clothes. Well, you might not want to get your nice clothes messed up - alternatively, you might not feel like changing back into formal clothes after the evening's.. exertions! Oh, and the guy who needed the washing machine? He accidentally stepped in the pool, dirtied his trousers. And that's not the only reason he was a dead ringer for Boris Johnson! He had the messy hair, the gormless expression - spent most of the play wandering around without trousers on - kept apologising. Yep, all I could think of when I saw him was Boris..

We got a huge mix of characters, though. The hosts were a couple who met at a sex club; we also had a husband and wife, she'd known the man of the house for years, her husband didn't want her having sex with anyone else, so he was very definite about the "no-swapping" rule. There was a couple comprised of an American husband (who turned out to have some quite conservative views, for someone involved in this) and a Russian wife, sex-mad, straight talking, and hilarious! The wife of the trouser-less guy was unknown to the host - she turned out to be very woke, and highly opinionated! And when the final guest arrived - whom nobody but the host knew - well, the cat was well and truly among the pigeons!

Thing is, this sex party was a kind of vehicle for getting everything into the open. As the clothes were shed, so were people's pretences - and we got a huge level of honesty. Which wasn't always comfortable. Both private relationships and political views were aired in a jaw-dropping exchange - carried on in the kitchen while the party, apparently, continued next door. Any details we missed, we were filled in on later. By the end, we felt like we'd had as much of a workout as the characters - psychological, rather than physical. Fabulous. Sadly, tonight was the final performance - but do keep an eye out for it if it comes back! It's a cracker.

I booked so much stuff last night that there was no time to blog - keep reading for more.

Today, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, yay! This time, it was The Mysterious Square Mile Walking Tour. Wisely, I set my alarm, which I don't normally need to do - I'd never have woken in time, otherwise, given the hour I went to sleep at. Woke with a grumble, got myself out. The bus I needed to get was due to come at 10-minute intervals, and according to my Buses Due app, every single one was delayed - I ended up getting the first, it seems, just past the time the second was due! Which was absolutely fine. Funnily enough, almost every second stop along the way was closed, due to roadworks - happily, not the one I wanted.

I got turned slightly the wrong way around looking for Le Pain Quotidien, where we were to meet - it's not obvious, and I was a bit clueless that I was walking right past it, until one of the group, sat just inside the window, saw me and waved! Well, in my defence, I was still half asleep. Anyway, I ordered a hot chocolate, sat down and chatted to him - and to others, when they arrived. Absolutely great to see the folks again, first time this year! And this was just the start of what was a very chatty day - definitely one of the best Meetup groups I'm part of. I might have skipped the hot chocolate, though - although the coffee was apparently good, the hot chocolate was the blandest I've had in years! Not even a liberal dose of sugar helped - I won't be having it here again.

The group was somewhat depleted by the persistent train strikes - Laurence usually waits for 15 minutes past the scheduled time, but today, he figured, by 10 past, we had all we were going to. And we were off, into the grey drizzle. Mind you, despite dire weather forecasts, we didn't get much rain at all! just a few spots, now and then. Of course, we started around the corner, with the Monument:

The frieze depicts both Charles II and his brother, the future James II / VII, who was apparently in charge of firefighting operations during the Great Fire, which the Monument commemorates. And the design on the very top represents flames. We also heard the theory that, before the railing was built around the walkway near the top, more people actually died from falling off this than died in the fire!

On to Leadenhall Market, where we discovered that the flag of the City of London represents the cross of St. George, with apparently the sword that beheaded St. Paul:

Outside again, and at the corner of Cornhill, it seems - if you look up - that there's a statue of Ceres, the goddess of cereal! (among other things). As someone remarked, we just don't look up enough..

We learned that St. Michael's is traditionally the stockbrokers' church:

and that on the adjacent St. Michael's Alley, London's first coffee house was established during the Puritan era, because they weren't keen on alcohol!

We came across a couple of interesting statues - including one that looks like possibly the most comfortable statue in town, as he gets to sit for eternity!

I hadn't realised that the ground floor of the Bank of England is some 300 years older than the upper floors - the missing windows on the ground floor are apparently due to the Gordon riots, when a number were broken!

Here's a use I hadn't previously noted for a bus:

And we finished at St. Paul's. I hadn't realised that Christopher Wren originally intended the columns to extend all the way from bottom to top, but they had no way of transporting columns that large!

And so to lunch, at The Old Bell. A lovely pub, again built by Christopher Wren, with plenty of snug seating areas, and the Christmas decorations still up - which was nice, on a day we saw many being taken down. I didn't realise at the time, but I had actually been here before.

We were alarmed to discover a sign on the bar to say the kitchen was closed, but of the two behind the bar, one bravely volunteered to do the cooking! We had a limited menu though - they only had pies and burgers. Fair enough - now, after having a pie yesterday, I didn't fancy another, so decided on a burger. I asked about the Nicholson's burger, but was told they didn't have it, so I had the cheeseburger instead. Which was fine, except I think mine was the last to come out! Too much mayo, which meant I had to eat half with a knife and fork, but otherwise fine. Ooh, and their NZ sauvignon blanc was Oyster Bay! One of my favourites, lovely. And a smashing afternoon's conversation was had - looking forward to my next meeting with this group!

Tomorrow, headed with Cultureseekers (CS) to the "Executions" exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Should be nicely atmospheric - and mercifully, starting a bit later than today's event. The organiser was recently in touch, encouraging me to take out full membership, as I'd been to so many events, and could get a discount. Yeah, but most of them were during lockdown, and were free! I don't think it'd be worth my while - I don't go to nearly as many events with this group now.

On Monday, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! She sent them through when they arrived today, and I agreed with the other guy who should take which!

On Tuesday, thinking film again - the listings site was typically slow, but had some info for next week. But given my experience on Tuesday - when it hadn't even included listings for my local cinema - I checked what was on there on this coming Tuesday as well. And lo, I came up with some not yet listed at all at that stage on the listings site.. highest rated is a documentary - Crows are White tells the story of a rather unusual Buddhist monk, who'd rather listen to heavy metal than birdsong..

On Wednesday, heading to Comedy in your Eye, at the Camden Eye. Tickets from Design my Night, including a free drink.

On Thursday - my first Crick Crack Club (CCC) event of the year! Online, but never mind - it's Nick Hennessy, at the Story Museum, performing The Kalevala. I think I remember hearing that he's the only non-Finnish person ever to win their competition to recite this! So, really looking forward to it. Then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..

On the 16th, back with UITCS for The Art of Illusion, at Hampstead Theatre. Award-winning, it seems..

On the 17th, I'm headed to Chicago Blues Explosion in the January Blues Festival at the 100 Club. Just a shame their early bird tickets were sold out.

On the 18th, with TAC for a classical concert at King's Place (nice and close). This is the Kirckman Society for young artists, presenting Connaught Brass.

On the 19th, Ken's Green Walks for Health (aka Ken's Events, to those of us who know it from before) is off to see the Winter Lights at Canary Wharf. Now, I wouldn't go with them in a fit - but there's nothing to stop me seeing the lights myself for free, eh? I don't see the point in paying Ken £5 to lead a group around..

On the 20th (a Friday, unusually), back with Watkin's Bookshop for a book launch. This is Fifty Forgotten Books by R. B. Russell. Occult theme, as usual. Let's see whether I can avoid falling asleep this time!

On the 21st, back at King's Place - this time it's the CCC, with Stories in the Dark. Told in darkness, by the sound of it - sounds divine!

On the 22nd, back with CS for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition at the British Museum. Assuming it's not curtailed due to transport strikes - there is a warning on the museum website that galleries might have to close early!

On the 23rd, I've finally booked for Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre. This play concerns a series of debates on US television between liberal writer Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley in 1968 - the interesting twist here, given the time and place we're talking about, is to cast William Buckley as black! Had my own seat review on Seatplan to guide me in picking a seat - this is one of those restricted view/legroom theatres. And despite all the theatre offers flooding my inbox, I found the cheapest tickets for this on the official website! Mind you, what with See Tickets doing the selling, I found myself with a second, unexplained, booking fee..

For the next week or so, it's all UITCS! On the 24th, for some reason, I hadn't seen their advertised event to see Orlando, based on the book by Virginia Woolf, and showing at the Garrick. For this, however, I found the cheapest tickets from Official London Theatre (OLT).

On the 25th, we're off to see John Bishop at the Leicester Square Theatre. Love him, so I booked as soon as I saw this advertised - one of the few things for this month that I booked last month! Not that it seems to be selling out..

On the 26th, we're off to The Vaults Festival - specifically, The Welsh Lxdies, a bilingual show about the women of Wales. Then back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 30th, we're heading to Noises Off, starring Felicity Kendal, at the Phoenix. Again, cheapest tickets from OLT.

On the 31st, with a group I haven't joined in a Very Long Time - I'm back with London Dramatic Art, from whom I've got a front-row ticket for Sylvia, at The Old Vic; this is the story of Sylvia Pankhurst, and stars the excellent Beverley Knight. Completely sold out - this was my only way to get a ticket!

On the 1st, back with the Horror Book Club - Lordy, that means I need to read a book! :-) I suppose I can use my flights for that. This time, it's The Ballad of Black Tom, based on the Lovecraft story, The Horror at Red Hook, but told from the perspective of a black man. Which means I should really read that, too.. Nice, I'd like to get back to some Lovecraft! In the Prince of Wales, Covent Garden again. Question is, will the kitchen be open..?

On the 2nd, I'm on my own for My Son's a Queer (but what can you do?), a musical at the Ambassadors Theatre.

On the 3rd, my first meeting of the year with London Classical Music and Theatre Group! We're off to Wigmore Hall, to listen to the Hagen Quartet play Mozart. They're Austrian, so that's appropriate.. I just need to remember not to drink the ultra-expensive sauvignon blanc!

On the 4th, well, Laurence is back to Greenwich again. Now, I have been there with him before.. not sure how "new" this one will be, but hey, it was a great day last time!

On the 5th, nothing on Meetup appeals massively at the moment - I might go for a walk along the Ken's Events route, if I feel like it! (on my own).

On the 6th, my first actual event with Over 40 Living the Life. We're off to How Not to Drown at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East - the first event of theirs for which I couldn't get a cheaper ticket! So I decided, if I couldn't beat them, I might as well join them. True story of an unaccompanied, 11-year-old asylum seeker.

On the 7th of next month, excited to be headed to see Derren Brown in Showman, at the Apollo Shaftesbury Avenue. Cheapest tickets with OLT again.

On the 8th of next month, off to The Lehman Trilogy, at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Based on the true story of the bank that collapsed. Got the last £39.50 ticket!

On the 9th of next month, back with UITCS for Winner's Curse, at the Park Theatre - an interactive show about a peace negotiation. And then I'm back to Ireland again.

And on the 13th of next month, I'm headed to Allegiance, starring George Takei in a musical based on the true story of his internment in an American internment camp during the Second World War. Showing at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Top Secret Comedy Club

Tonight, I was supposed to be with a new group - Shanty Singers Colliers Wood - who seem to exist to advertise free shanty singing concerts. Tonight, it was in The William Morris. But then I got an email from the Top Secret Comedy Club (TSCC), advertising tonight's bill - headlined by David McSavage! Hmm.. David McSavage, versus a trip all the way to Wimbledon on what turned out to be a drizzly night, in the end. I love David McSavage. There was no contest. I hadn't had to pay for the shanty singing anyway.

Now, the TSCC is quite close to where I was last night - so there was no way I was trying my luck at finding food around there. No, I'd be passing Gourmet Burger Kitchen, that wouldn't be full - and it'd do fine! Sure enough, I got seated no problem. Sure enough, they were out of onion rings again - I had French fries instead, and they were gorgeous! One of the servers recognised me from Tuesday, too. And I was done in time to walk the rest of the way to the TSCC. A nostalgic walk, taking me past the last real-life office I had.. As I approached the TSCC, I was unnerved to see a large queue: but this turned out to be for a restaurant nearby - Kangnam Pocha. Korean, it seems.. Gee, I guess they don't take reservations?

Less of a queue at TSCC, where our tickets were scanned and we got wrist stamps. Wow, it's a long time since I was last here - just over a year, in fact. And it was for him, again! I got to talk to him on that occasion - not tonight, though. But man, when the owner claims to have the cheapest drinks in the West End, he's not kidding! I guess the last time I paid so little for a glass of wine was when I was last here.. entering the show area, it was already packed. I didn't fancy squeezing past anyone to get to a seat, so when I saw a couple of free seats on the aisle, side-on to the stage, I grabbed one. Not too close to the stage, I hasten to add! I'm not completely crazy..

There were five performers - we started with Carl Donnelly, who gave us an entertaining account of travelling across London on TFL. He was followed, after a break, by Michelle de Swarte (somewhat crazy) and Ivo Graham (somewhat public school), then another break, and we had Ismael Loutfi, whose MO seemed to be to bait us with racial gags, then give us a beaming smile so we'd forgive him. The owner was MCing, as usual - he begged us to try out the toilets, which he said he'd renovated over lockdown - but just as entertaining as anyone on stage were the audience members to either side of it. On one side was a police officer (cue any number of jokes about the police), on the other - where I couldn't see - apparently a middle-aged Indian man and two younger Indian ladies. Who turned out to be his nieces, after much fun being had at his expense! Indeed, the young ladies seemed most keen to play their part, heckling constantly..

And so to the headliner, who came on wrapped in a scarf and brandishing a guitar. He hadn't apparently witnessed any of the banter with the audience, but the young Indian ladies were delighted to enlighten him! Naturally though, McSavage by name, savage by nature, as he tore through the audience. Watching David McSavage, it helps to be a masochist. But my, he has a wicked eye for observation.. as they say, it's funny 'coz it's true. No sacred cows here - prepare to feel insulted.

In fact, it wasn't a show for the fainthearted, with Ismael's racial jokes, Ivo banging on about drugs, and David McSavage on - everything. Not to mention the MC, who had a protracted gag about abortion. Definitely a venue for the sturdier comedy fan. The audience was well up for it though, tankards of beer passing by aplenty, pairs of audience members sharing bottles of wine. The MC, at the end, promised a free shot to anyone who gave the club a five-star review on Google.. Yeah, a good night! Caveat emptor, though. Oh, and I was delighted to get home before the rain turned really heavy..

Tomorrow, I've finally booked for The Sex Party, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. My goodness, it's so long since I was last there, I couldn't remember my username, and had to ring them! (CT were advertising cheap tickets, but had sold out.)

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, yay! This time, it's The Mysterious Square Mile Walking Tour.. lunch afterwards, natch.

On Sunday, headed with Cultureseekers (CS) to the "Executions" exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Should be nicely atmospheric. The organiser was just in touch, encouraging me to take out full membership, as I'd been to so many events, and could get a discount. Yeah, but most of them were during lockdown, and were free! I don't think it'd be worth my while - I don't go to nearly as many events with this group now.

On Monday, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) are headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! Well, they won't email it to her until a couple of days beforehand, at which point I'll actually get it..

On Tuesday, thinking film again - the listings site is being typically slow, but has some info for next week. But given my experience on Tuesday - when it hadn't even included listings for my local cinema - I checked what was on there on Tuesday next week as well. And lo, I came up with some not yet listed at all on the listings site.. highest rated is a documentary - Crows are White tells the story of a rather unusual Buddhist monk, who'd rather listen to heavy metal than birdsong..

On Wednesday, heading to Comedy in your Eye, at the Camden Eye. Tickets from Design my Night, including a free drink.

On Thursday - my first Crick Crack Club (CCC) event of the year! Online, but never mind - it's Nick Hennessy, at the Story Museum, performing The Kalevala. I think I remember hearing that he's the only non-Finnish person ever to win their competition to recite this! So, really looking forward to it. Then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..

On the 16th, back with UITCS for The Art of Illusion, at Hampstead Theatre. Award-winning, it seems..

On the 17th, I'm headed to Chicago Blues Explosion in the January Blues Festival at the 100 Club. Just a shame their early bird tickets were sold out.

On the 18th, with TAC for a classical concert at King's Place (nice and close). This is the Kirckman Society for young artists, presenting Connaught Brass.

On the 19th, Ken's Green Walks for Health (aka Ken's Events, to those of us who know it from before) is off to see the Winter Lights at Canary Wharf. Now, I wouldn't go with them in a fit - but there's nothing to stop me seeing the lights myself for free, eh? I don't see the point in paying Ken £5 to lead a group around..

On the 20th (a Friday, unusually), back with Watkin's Bookshop for a book launch. This is Fifty Forgotten Books by R. B. Russell. Occult theme, as usual. Let's see whether I can avoid falling asleep this time!

On the 21st, back at King's Place - this time it's the CCC, with Stories in the Dark. Told in darkness, by the sound of it - sounds divine!

On the 22nd, back with CS for the Hieroglyphs: Unlocking Ancient Egypt exhibition at the British Museum. Assuming it's not curtailed due to transport strikes - there is a warning on the museum website that galleries might have to close early!

And on the 23rd, I've finally booked for Best of Enemies at the Noel Coward Theatre. This play concerns a series of debates on US television between liberal writer Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley in 1968 - the interesting twist here, given the time and place we're talking about, is to cast William Buckley as black! Had my own seat review on Seatplan to guide me in picking a seat - this is one of those restricted view/legroom theatres. And despite all the theatre offers flooding my inbox, I found the cheapest tickets for this on the official website!

Book Club: The Silent Companions

Last night, back with the Horror Book Club - for an actual book club meeting! I finally bit the bullet and got around to reading what I was supposed to for this (just finished it the night before, in fact) - specifically, The Silent Companions, by Laura Purcell. Happily, it wasn't too long - and the free Kindle sample I got from Amazon covered about 1/3 of it! So, was doable - it's a Gothic novel, in which a young lady, newly widowed, comes to her late husband's brooding family estate for the first time. Set in the late 19th century, it keeps referring back to the supposed origin of the mystery that unfolds, in the 1600s. Anyway, our discussion was in the Prince of Wales Covent Garden, quite close to me. This group also obligingly holds an online version of all their in-person Meetups, on the day after!

It's a Greene King pub, so I set off early, in hopes of having a nice meal there. When I arrived, some people were finishing off their meals, so I found a table and went up to order - no such thing as ordering from the app here, it seems. Well, if I wasn't told the kitchen was closed! I was too hungry to survive on a packet of crisps - I meandered off again, into the night. Unfortunately, even on a Wednesday in the first week in January, I found it impossible to get in anywhere in that area without a reservation - or a long queue. So I ended up in the ever-dependable Pret.

That sorted, I headed back to the pub - where some people were already in situ in the conveniently reserved room upstairs. Tables had been arranged into a large rectangle, chairs ranged along the outside. And the numbers had been carefully calculated - every chair was needed. In due course, all the others arrived, and positioned themselves around the ring of tables. Meantime, various people were hungry - when the organiser wondered whether the kitchen was open yet, I said I'd ask, as I was headed down to get a drink - well, wouldn't you know it, it was! When I asked what time it opened, her response was "it's always open".. I eventually managed to get her to communicate that today was a one-off, in that it was closed for an hour or so. (Couldn't they have told me earlier that it was going to reopen later..?)

I have to hand it to the organiser, she obviously has plenty of experience at this. She took charge when necessary, directing us, explaining the procedure (a few rules like people not talking over each other), and pointed out that people were welcome to leave early, but she would like to get everyone's rating for the book before they left. Nice and relaxed, we didn't start quite to time, but not that late either. We started with a round-robin, everyone introducing themselves and giving a summary of what they thought of the book, and there was a lively discussion, most people finding various flaws. One person hadn't finished it, one hadn't had a chance to start it! which was fine, but as she warned, there would be spoilers.. Certainly, some people raised interesting points I hadn't thought about. Me? I enjoyed it, despite some quibbles. Which is the main thing for me, I think.

It was an entertaining, at times hilarious discussion, from what is a very nice group - and it was nice to see some familiar faces from before, as well as some new ones. And we had a couple of drinks breaks. Didn't stay too late.. ran too late to blog last night, though. Yes, hope I can make another of these.

Tonight, I'm with a new group - Shanty Singers Colliers Wood - who seem to exist to advertise free shanty singing concerts. That night, it's in The William Morris. Should be fun!

Tomorrow, I've finally booked for The Sex Party, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. My goodness, it's so long since I was last there, I couldn't remember my username, and had to ring them! (CT were advertising cheap tickets, but had sold out.)

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, yay! This time, it's The Mysterious Square Mile Walking Tour.. lunch afterwards, natch.

On Sunday, headed with Cultureseekers to the "Executions" exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Should be nicely atmospheric.

On Monday, Up in the Cheap Seats are headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! Well, they won't email it to her until a couple of days beforehand, at which point I'll actually get it..

On Tuesday, thinking film again - the listings site is being typically slow, but has some info for next week. But given my experience on Monday - when it hadn't even included listings for my local cinema - I checked what was on there on Tuesday as well. And lo, I came up with some not yet listed at all on the listings site.. highest rated is a documentary - Crows are White tells the story of a rather unusual Buddhist monk, who'd rather listen to heavy metal than birdsong..

On Wednesday, heading to Comedy in your Eye, at the Camden Eye. Tickets from Design my Night, including a free drink.

On Thursday - my first Crick Crack Club event of the year! Online, but never mind - it's Nick Hennessy, at the Story Museum, performing The Kalevala. I think I remember hearing that he's the only non-Finnish person ever to win their competition to recite this! So, really looking forward to it. And then, of course, I'm back to Ireland for the weekend..

Film: Aftersun

I flew back yesterday - after some drama with Aer Lingus' woeful website / app. It's constantly giving trouble - I must have tried 10 times before it'd let me check in online! When I tried the chat function (guaranteed to provide a response 24/7), it was nearly eight hours before anyone responded.. by which stage, I'd managed it myself! Come on guys, could do better..!

Well, what a sight, flying over London, though - it even silenced the hyperactive youngster sitting in front of me!

..to be followed by a half-hour wait for my bag once we landed. Now, given the weight of said bag, I was delighted not to be carrying it up and down aircraft steps, as I would have done with Ryanair - but still..

On my way home, I passed O' Neill's - where I could see diners in the upstairs dining area. I really fancied eating there, but wanted to take my (heavy) bag home first, especially if I ended up having to go upstairs at O' Neill's! So that's what I did, and bravely set out again. And lo, for the first time in months, I got a table downstairs! Faster service, better atmosphere - and wow, did that chicken katsu taste good! Ah, it's good to be back.

Today, I again thought of film. Top of the list that I was interested in was Aftersun, in which a woman remembers her childhood holiday with her father, played by Paul Mescal. It's getting terrific reviews, and was showing in Ireland, some time ago - when it had competition from other films, and tended to be on too late for me. And over Christmas, when I had nothing to see..! it was gone. In London, the closest showing to me was supposed to be in the Curzon Camden.

Well, the showing there wasn't until 9.30 - but I was hungry, and had shopping to do, so I took myself off after work to the Brunswick Centre - as I needed some shopping from there, specifically. The pavement is quite slick, after rain all day today - I stepped aside so a fellow in a wheelchair could go careering off down the slippery ramp! I swear, I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd gone "wheee.."! Anyway, my route took me past the Curzon Bloomsbury - my local cinema. And it occurred to me that I'd seen this film advertised there before. So I had a look at the sign on front - and it was still up there! The poster was also in the window. No film times, though - so I checked online, and sure enough, it WAS showing there! Within half an hour, too! No mention on that listings site, which I swear gets worse and worse.. A quick recalculation saw me decide to leave eating, which I'd been planning to do first, and shopping, till after, and just head straight in to the film.

Well, I say I left the eating - I did treat myself to the usual, moreish honeycomb bites. The staff behind the till were so under-occupied that two of them presented the lady who was serving me with the honeycomb bites she'd requested! She took what one offered, and sent the other off to get the sauvignon blanc I'd asked for as well. And I used what I think was my last free cinema ticket..

I'd asked for a seat dead centre - unlike the branch in Camden, this one was nearly sold out! I had to guess when the cinema was ready to enter - just sat on a sofa by the door, eating and drinking, until the cleaner came out and someone else went in. Handily, the one who preceded me was the only person sat inside of me..

Whew. So, this is a good film. It reminds me of Baghdaddy, only insofar as it achieves what I felt that play singularly failed to do - it evokes a woman's memories of a time with her father when she was little. This film does it so, so well.. the visuals are perfect, starting off fragmented, a collage of memories of a holiday the two of them had in Turkey. When the visuals resolve - well, it's stunning. Beautiful views, beautiful, twilight evenings - oh, how nostalgic it'd make you for a sun holiday.. But they're on a package deal - and remind me of everything I hate about those! The rep who's just been reassigned from a different country, the hotel that's not quite as described - building works every day, and one bed for both, although he'd specifically requested a twin room. The twee entertainment every night.

Now, this is a very young dad - he's supposed to be 30 in the film, she's supposed to be 11. So, you know, he's great fun! although his "dad moves" do embarrass her. But he's up for snorkelling, water polo, playing pool - he does draw the line at paragliding, says she's too young. Teaches her tai chi, even. Gives her a sip of his beer. But he's ever-keen to ensure she has adequate sunscreen, and knows self-defence, and they even have a father-daughter coming-of-age chat.

Still, there's a dark undercurrent - he has quiet moments that hint at something under the surface, and we learn how he's divorced, not currently in a relationship, and never actually thought he'd get to this age. The director bides her time - most of the film is a bright and sunny exploration for this girl who's not quite yet a teenager; it isn't until the holiday comes close to ending that her dad lets his sunny side slip, and we get a glimpse of what's underneath. And it is, honestly, heartbreaking. Of course, you're in safe hands with Paul Mescal.

I also noted the use of silence, which I love so much when it's done well - and it's done brilliantly here: silence in the sense of no dialogue, for much of the film - just people splashing in water, laughter, music - a great soundtrack, too. The dialogue, when it does occur, is meaningful - some of the Scottish accents are tricky, mind. The ending is vague - we're not quite sure where the father goes at the end of this holiday, and we aren't told. But that's as it should be - this is a memory of a time and place, and stands alone. Memorable. Stunning.

Ate afterwards in Gourmet Burger Kitchen, just across the centre - where they had onion rings, which (again!) arrived so in advance of the burger that I'd eaten half of them by the time it came! but I was very well fed. A small panic ensued when she tried to take my glass, which still had a smidgeon of wine in it.. and BTW, the toilet was blocked, and when I used the disabled toilet instead, the lock didn't close properly, and someone nearly walked in on me.. You have been warned..

Tomorrow, back with the London Horror Book Club - for an actual book club meeting! I finally bit the bullet and got around to reading what I was supposed to for this (just finished it, in fact) - specifically, The Silent Companions, by Laura Purcell. Happily, it's a short one - and the free Kindle sample I got from Amazon covered about 1/3 of it! So, was doable - it's a Gothic novel, in which a young lady, newly widowed, comes to her late husband's brooding family estate for the first time. Set in the late 19th century, it keeps referring back to the supposed origin of the mystery that unfolds, in the 1600s. Anyway, our discussion will be in the Prince of Wales, quite close to me. This group also obligingly holds an online version of all their in-person Meetups, on the day after!

On Thursday, I'm with a new group - Shanty Singers Colliers Wood - who seem to exist to advertise free shanty singing concerts. That night, it's in The William Morris. Should be fun!

On Friday, I've finally booked for The Sex Party, at the Menier Chocolate Factory. My goodness, it's so long since I was last there, I couldn't remember my username, and had to ring them! (CT were advertising cheap tickets, but had sold out.)

On Saturday, back with Laurence Summers and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners, yay! This time, it's The Mysterious Square Mile Walking Tour.. lunch afterwards, natch. I just hope this stormy weather has cleared up by then..

On Sunday, headed with Cultureseekers to the "Executions" exhibition at the Museum of London Docklands. Should be nicely atmospheric.

And on Monday, Up in the Cheap Seats are headed to Mandela, a musical at the Young Vic. Unfortunately, I was way too late for a cheap ticket - but then I noticed that someone attending couldn't make it, and had advertised two tickets for anyone who wanted - much cheaper than what I could get elsewhere. Front row, too! One ticket had gone - I messaged her, and yay, I got the other! Well, they won't email it to her until a couple of days beforehand, at which point I'll get it..